Nancy Jane Thomas passed away peacefully to the Lord on July 21, 2016 at the age of 88. She was born on March 9, 1928 in Boise, Idaho to Everett Hilliard "Bud" Smith and Eileen Kathryn Walsh. Nancy attended and graduated from Holy Names Academy, Spokane Washington, on May 29, 1944. Nancy attended Marylhurst College in Marylhurst, Oregon for two years and finished her studies at the University of Idaho where she pledged the Delta Omicron Chapter of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and earned the degree of Bachelor of Arts on May 31, 1948. She continued to be active in this Chapter years later. A chance encounter on the train platform in Moscow, Idaho with Charles "Chuck" William Thomas in 1947, while a student at the University of Idaho, eventually developed into true love, and their marriage on February 5, 1949 in Boise, Idaho. (Nancy and Chuck celebrated 67 years of marriage in February, 2016). It was also in Boise, Idaho that their firstborn child, a daughter, made her arrival. Seeking better employment opportunities, in 1950, Chuck moved Nancy and their daughter to Kennewick, Washington. During this time, Nancy and Chuck also became parents of two more daughters and a son. Nancy's generosity, her caring and loving spirit, her elegance and grace and her very uncanny ability to make something creative and beautiful out of anything or nothing were some of her many virtues. Nancy was passionate about life, had a deep love for her family and friends and showered her love and gifts on them all in many ways. Nancy particularly enjoyed reading, decorating, and animals, especially dogs. She never met a homeless animal she didn't want to take home. She loved to read the newspaper daily from cover to cover and always an avid reader, had a book by her bedside, usually historical fiction or non-fiction, and would gladly engage anyone interested in discussing what she had learned. Nancy's life was highlighted by her many travels with her husband, Chuck, including: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Morocco, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, St. Croix, St. Martin, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, Ireland, Mexico, and Italy. Together, Nancy and Chuck visited many areas within the continental United States, Hawaii, and Alaska. Their home of 66 years is decorated with pieces of artwork and memorabilia collected during these trips abroad and in the United States. Outside of her many years as a homemaker, Nancy was actively involved with St. Joseph's Catholic Church as chairwoman to the Parish Altar Society. Nancy tithed her time as a CCD (Confraternity of Catholic Doctrine) teacher instructing grade school children and youth, later inspiring an article she wrote on the "Joy's of Teaching," which was nationally published in a prominent Catholic magazine. Nancy and Chuck later became members of the newly built Parish of the Holy Spirit in 1980. Nancy added a creative flair to all she did and this was especially noted in their home and at the Tri-City Country Club where she and Chuck were long-time members. After the children were raised, Nancy entered the work force where she enjoyed a 15-year career, with Dodson's Jewelers, retiring as Assistant Manager. Many relatives, friends and customers benefited by her advanced knowledge and her impeccable taste in jewelry. Nancy was respected and admired for finding just "the right piece of jewelry," for her clients. Nancy was preceded in death by her Mother, Eileen Kathryn Grant, her Father, Everett Hilliard (Bud) Smith, and brother, E.H. Phillip Smith. She is survived by her husband, Charles (Chuck) Thomas, daughters Christi (Vern) Chamberlain, Bridget (Bob) Louie, Kirk (Betty) Thomas, and Shelley (Brad) Yeager; 6 grandchildren, Erin (Jimmy) Carnahan, Alexis (Owen) Strecker, Travis (Jen) Chamberlain; Leslie (Kyle) McCarron; Brittney (Steven) Garringer, Ian (Michelle) Louie, Shane (Jeanette) Thomas, and Alison (Dave Tatro) Thomas; and 11 great-grandchildren, Jayce, Nate, Gracie, Erik, Violet, Rowan, Gage, Noelle, Collin, Brendan, Addison and so many friends. A Rosary will be said at 6:30 pm on Friday evening, September 2, and a Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday morning, September 3, at 11:00 am, followed by a reception at the Church Community Center (behind the Church) at Parish of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7409 Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, Washington, 99336. The family would like to thank Guardian Angels Assisted Living and Hospice Care Ministry for their kindness and care of our beloved Mother during her last days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to: St. Jude's Children Hospital, www.stjude.org and the Benton Franklin Humane Society shelter@bfhs.com.